Toxnet

The following information was generated from the
Toxicology Bibliographic Information (TOXLINE, DART, HSDB, CCRIS, GENETOX, IRIS,

ITER, LACTMED, CHEMID, CPDB, CTD, HAZMAP, HPD, TOXMAP, TRI2016),
a database of the National Library of Medicine's TOXNET system
(http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov) on April 2, 2019.
Query: Searching: TOXLINE, DART, HSDB, CCRIS, GENETOX, IRIS, ITER, LACTMED,
ChemIDplus,
CPDB, CTD, HAZMAP, HPD, TOXMAP, TRI2016
The chemical name arsenic was identified.
The following terms were added from ChemIDplus:
metallic arsenic
colloidal arsenic
arsenic black
arsenic 75
CAS Registry Number: 7440-38-2
3 - HSDB
NAME: ARSENIC, ELEMENTAL
HSN: 509
RN:
7440-38-2
NOTE:
This record contains information for arsenic in its zero valence state
only. For general toxicity and environmental fate of arsenic ions and
arsenic compounds, refer to the ARSENIC COMPOUNDS record; for compound
specific information, refer to the appropriate individual records, e.g.,
arsenic trichloride, diethyl arsine, etc.
OVERVIEW:
HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS:
EVIDENCE FOR CARCINOGENICITY:

CLASSIFICATION: A; human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on
sufficient evidence from human data. An increased lung cancer mortality
was observed in multiple human populations exposed primarily through
inhalation. Also, increased mortality from multiple internal organ cancers
(liver, kidney, lung, and bladder) and an increased incidence of skin
cancer were observed in populations consuming drinking water high in
inorganic arsenic. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Sufficient. ANIMAL
CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /based on former classification
system/[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information
System (IRIS). Summary on Arsenic, Inorganic (7440-38-2). Available from,
as of March 15, 2000: http://www.epa.gov/iris/] **PEER REVIEWED**
A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic compounds, as

As/[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold
Limit Values of Chemical Substances and Biological Exposure Indices,
ACGIH, Cincinnati, OH 2009, p. 12] **QC REVIEWED**
Evaluation: There is sufficient evidence in humans that arsenic in
drinking-water causes cancers of the urinary bladder, lung and skin ...
Overall evaluation: Arsenic in drinking-water is carcinogenic to humans
(Group 1). /Arsenic in drinking-water/[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation
of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health
Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT.
(Multivolume work). Available at:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V84 (2004)]
**QC REVIEWED**
Arsenic compounds, inorganic: known to be a human carcinogen.[U.S.

Department of Health & Human Services/National Toxicology Program;
Eleventh Report on Carcinogens: Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic (January
2005). Available from, as of July 24, 2009:
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/toc11.html] **QC REVIEWED**
Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: sufficient; 2)

evidence in animals: limited. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic
risk to humans is Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans. NOTE: This evaluation
applies to the group of chemicals as a whole and not necessarily to all
individual chemicals within the group. /Arsenic and arsenic
compounds/[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of
Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International
Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work).
Available at: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p.
S7 57 (1987)] **QC REVIEWED**
HUMAN TOXICITY EXCERPTS:

Among smelter workers exposed to a mixture of metals including arsenic,
the frequency of congenital malformations did not differ from non-exposed
populations. However, mean birth wt were reported to be decr in offspring
of female employees of the smelter.[Friberg, L., Nordberg, G.F., Kessler,
E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology of Metals. 2nd ed.
Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., 1986., p. V1
414] **PEER REVIEWED**
The low toxicity of elemental arsenic is attributed to its virtual

insolubility in water or in body fluids.[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality
Criteria Doc: Arsenic p.A-1 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-021] **PEER REVIEWED**
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
The urinary excretion, in mg/L, of elements that are freely eliminated by
this route, such as ... arsenic, is at most 2.5-5 times the occupation
exposure in mg/cu m of air /SRP: for an 8 hour day/. It is apparent that
biological monitoring for arsenic by urinalysis would be of limited value
in determining whether or not the NIOSH recommended standard ... was being
met or exceeded.[American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and
Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH:
ACGIH, 1991., p. 83] **PEER REVIEWED**
PROBABLE ROUTES OF HUMAN EXPOSURE:

Ceramic artists can be exposed to many hazardous materials, generally
related to dry clays, glazes and kiln use. Glazes can contain lead,
antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, cadmium,
copper, vanadium and other materials. ...[Hart C; J Environ Health 49 (5):
282-6 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, cobalt,

manganese, and mercury ... used as color pigments in paints can be
ingested by contamination of hands, fingernails, food, cups, cigarettes
and by holding paint brushes in the mouth.[Hart C; J Environ Health 49
(5): 282 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
REPORTED FATAL DOSE:

Fatal human dose 70-180 mg depending on weight. Estimated lethal dose for
a 70 kg human as As (III).[NIH/EPA; OHM/TADS (1985)] **PEER REVIEWED**
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT:
EMT COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:

The information contained in the Truven Health Analytics Inc. products is
intended as an educational aid only. All treatments or procedures are intended
to serve as an information resource for physicians or other competent healthcare
professionals performing the consultation or evaluation of patients and must be
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The use of the Truven Health Analytics Inc. products is at
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purpose or use are hereby excluded. Truven Health Analytics Inc. does not assume
any responsibility or risk for your use of the Truven Health Analytics Inc.
products.<p>The following Overview, *** ARSENIC ***, is relevant for this HSDB
record chemical.
LIFE SUPPORT:
o This overview assumes that basic life support measures
have been instituted.
CLINICAL EFFECTS:
0.2.1 SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) USES: Arsenic compounds are used as pesticides and in a
variety of occupations (eg, glass/ceramic
manufacturing, metallurgy, semiconductor manufacture).
However, environmental contamination of groundwater
accounts for the majority of modern exposures outside
the United States. Organic arsenic (melarsoprol) is
used to treat the meningoencephalitis stage of African
Trypanosomiasis. Arsenic trioxide is used to treat
acute promyelocytic leukemia. Please refer to ARSENIC
TRIOXIDE document for more information.
B) PHARMACOLOGY: Inorganic arsenic reduces cellular
apoptosis via damage of mitochondrial membranes and
down-regulation of BCL2, a pro-survival protein.
Arsenic is actively transported into Trypanosomes by a
purine transporter resulting in inhibition of
trypanothione production and subsequent parasite lysis.
C) TOXICOLOGY: Trivalent arsenic (As3+) disrupts oxidative
phosphorylation, leading to free radical formation via
inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase, which
subsequently decreases gluconeogenesis due to lack of
acetyl-CoA. Pentavalent arsenic may be transformed to
arsenic or substitute for inorganic phosphate in
glycolysis, leading to uncoupling of oxidative
phosphorylation and loss of ATP formation. Chronically,
arsenic may cause DNA damage, mutation in the p-53
suppressor gene, and inhibition of DNA repair
mechanisms leading to cancer. Arsenic-containing metals
are considered nontoxic due to their low solubility.
Organic arsenic has relatively low toxicity when
compared to the inorganic trivalent and pentavalent
forms.
D) EPIDEMIOLOGY: Toxicity from arsenic is uncommon and
major effects are rare.
E) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
1) ACUTE OVERDOSE: Arsenic compounds are mainly absorbed
through the gastrointestinal tract, but some
absorption may occur through intact skin or
inhalation. Acute arsenic ingestion generally produces
signs and symptoms within 30 minutes, but symptoms may
be delayed for several hours if ingested with food.
Many arsenic compounds are severe irritants of the
skin, eye, and mucous membranes; some may be
corrosive. Contact produces local hyperemia, followed
by vesicular or pustular eruptions. Trivalent
compounds are particularly caustic. Acute inhalation
exposures have resulted in irritation of the upper
respiratory tract.
2) MILD TO MODERATE TOXICITY: Gastrointestinal symptoms
occur rapidly after acute ingestion. Initial signs and
symptoms include burning lips, throat constriction,
and dysphagia. Excruciating abdominal pain, severe
nausea, vomiting, and profuse "rice water-like"
diarrhea that may lead to hypovolemia follows these
symptoms. In addition, hypovolemia from capillary
leakage (third-spacing of fluids) is a common early
effect. QTc prolongation may occur. Muscle cramps,
facial edema, bronchitis, dyspnea, chest pain,
dehydration, intense thirst, and fluid-electrolyte
disturbances are also common following significant
exposures. A garlic-like odor of the breath and feces
may also develop. Subacute toxicity can produce
neuropathies, both motor and sensory, and can progress
to a Guillain-Barre-like syndrome.
3) SEVERE TOXICITY: Hypotension and tachycardia are
common early signs of severe poisoning. Hypotension
may be resistant to fluid resuscitation and multiorgan
failure may ensue. Fever and tachypnea may occur.
These patients can develop ventricular dysrhythmias,
including torsade de pointes. Encephalopathy,
seizures, and coma have been reported. Acute renal
failure, hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, and
hepatitis may occur several days after ingestion.
4) CHRONIC TOXICITY: Inhalation is the most common route
of exposure in people who work in occupations that use
arsenic. The sequence of chronic poisoning involves
weakness, anorexia, hepatomegaly, jaundice, and
gastrointestinal complaints, followed by
conjunctivitis, irritation of the upper respiratory
tract, hyperpigmentation, and eczematoid and allergic
dermatitis. A hoarse voice and chronic upper
respiratory septum is a common result after prolonged
inhalation of white arsenic dust or fume. Peripheral
nervous system symptoms may include numbness, burning,
and tingling of the hands and feet; pain;
paresthesias; muscle fasciculations; gross tremors;
ataxia; discoloration; and mental confusion. Muscular
weakness, limb tenderness, and difficulty walking may
follow. The final phase consists of peripheral sensory
neuropathy of the hands and feet. Associated motor
neuropathy may occur as well. Certain arsenic
compounds are known human carcinogens. Chronic
exposure in either occupational settings or by
drinking contaminated groundwater can cause poisoning
and carries an increased risk of skin, lung, bladder,
and possibly liver cancers.
0.2.3 VITAL SIGNS
0.2.3.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Hypotension and tachycardia are common early signs.
Fever and tachypnea may occur. Hypertension has been
associated with chronic environmental arsenic exposure.
0.2.20 REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS
A) Inorganic arsenic crosses the placenta and may result in
spontaneous abortion or stillbirth with either acute or
chronic poisoning.
0.2.21 CARCINOGENICITY
0.2.21.1 IARC CATEGORY
A) IARC Carcinogenicity Ratings for CAS7440-38-2
(International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),
2016; International Agency for Research on Cancer,
2015; IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of
Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, 2010; IARC Working Group
on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans,
2010a; IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of
Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, 2008; IARC Working Group
on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans,
2007; IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of
Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, 2006; IARC, 2004):
1) IARC Classification
a) Listed as: Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds
b) Carcinogen Rating: 1
1) The agent (mixture) is carcinogenic to humans. The
exposure circumstance entails exposures that are
carcinogenic to humans. This category is used when
there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in
humans. Exceptionally, an agent (mixture) may be
placed in this category when evidence of
carcinogenicity in humans is less than sufficient
but there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity
in experimental animals and strong evidence in
exposed humans that the agent (mixture) acts through
a relevant mechanism of carcinogenicity.
0.2.21.2 HUMAN OVERVIEW
A) Chronic therapeutic, occupational, and environmental
arsenic exposure have been associated with lung,
bladder, skin, and other cancers in humans.
B) Exposures as little as 1 gram per year have been
associated with CANCER (HSDB).
0.2.22 GENOTOXICITY
A) Arsenic induced DNA damage in human cells.
B) Conflicting genetic effects have been found for
arsenicals. Chromosome aberrations were elevated in the
white blood cells of persons exposed to arsenic and
possibly other substances (Nordenson, 1978) Burgdorf et
al, 1977), but sister chromatid exchanges were not
(Friberg et al, 1986). Sodium arsenite did induce sister
chromatid exchanges in vitro, however (Friberg et al,
1986).
LABORATORY:
A) Testing must be correlated with the time of exposure and
care must be taken to eliminate possible confounding
factors such as food-derived arsenic (fish) or
accumulated arsenic in those with chronic renal failure.
B) Diagnosis is based on elevated urinary arsenic levels. A
spot urine may be done as a screen prior to chelation but
arsenic excretion is intermittent, therefore a 24-hour
urine arsenic collection is necessary for definitive
diagnosis. A 24-hour urinary arsenic collection exceeding
100 mcg is usually abnormal, even after chelation.
C) Monitor CBC, serum electrolytes, liver enzymes, renal
function tests, and a blood arsenic concentration in
symptomatic patients.
D) Serial ECGs should be obtained to follow the QTc interval
and continuous cardiac monitoring should be instituted in
symptomatic patients.
E) Most arsenic compounds are radio-opaque, therefore
abdominal X-rays may confirm acute ingestions and guide
decontamination.
TREATMENT OVERVIEW:
0.4.2 ORAL EXPOSURE
A) MANAGEMENT OF MILD TO MODERATE TOXICITY
1) Fluid resuscitation should be initiated immediately,
but care must be taken to recognize pulmonary and
cerebral edema when present. When a significant acute
ingestion is confirmed, chelation therapy should be
initiated immediately prior to laboratory confirmation.
This will minimize time delay to treatment associated
with prolonged laboratory result turn around. In
chronic toxicity, the decision to chelate must be based
upon patient condition and laboratory evaluation.
B) MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE TOXICITY
1) Aggressive life support measures should be instituted
immediately. Anti-arrhythmic medications that prolong
the QTc should be avoided. In severely ill patients,
combined therapy with both BAL and an oral agent should
be considered. If renal failure exists, the dose of BAL
should be decreased after the loading dose.
2) INHALATION EXPOSURE: Inhalation is the most common
exposure in arsenic workers. OSHA has set an "action
level" of 5 mcg/m(3) of inorganic arsenic in the air
over an 8-hour period. Initial treatment should be to
remove the patient from the exposure and refer the
patient to an occupational specialist for 24-hour urine
collection. The decision to chelate will depend upon
the patient's clinical status and urine arsenic
concentration.
3) DERMAL EXPOSURE: Occasionally arsenic can cause a
contact dermatitis or an exfoliative rash. Wash the
area thoroughly and avoid further dermal contact.
Topical steroid creams may decrease inflammation in
these cases.
4) EYE EXPOSURE: Copious irrigation and ophthalmology
follow-up.
C) DECONTAMINATION
1) PREHOSPITAL: Remove the contaminated clothing and wash
the patient thoroughly.
2) HOSPITAL: Activated charcoal does not bind arsenic
well. Gastric lavage and whole bowel irrigation should
be considered for confirmed significant ingestions.
D) AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
1) Should be considered for patients with severe CNS
depression at risk of aspiration.
E) ANTIDOTE
1) For patients with severe poisoning or a history of a
large exposure, initial chelation should be with a
parenteral chelator (intramuscular BAL or intravenous
unithiol). When the patient is improving and able to
tolerate oral medication, therapy can be switched to an
oral chelator with no waiting period in between
treatments. BAL is administered by deep intramuscular
injection 3 to 5 mg/kg/dose IM every 4 to 6 hours. The
dose and frequency depend on the degree of toxicity
seen. Higher doses of BAL invariably cause adverse
effects. SUCCIMER: Should be used as soon as the
patient is improving and able to tolerate oral
medication. DOSE: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for 5 days,
then decrease dosing to every 12 hours for 14 days. It
may be more effective and causes fewer side effects
than BAL. Chelation therapy should be stopped when the
urinary arsenic level falls below 50 mcg per 24 hours.
UNITHIOL (2,3-dimercaptopropanol-sulfonic acid, DMPS)
is available in Europe and through compounding
pharmacies in the United States. It is a water-soluble
analog of BAL, and can be given orally or parenterally.
Unithiol is dosed as follows: IV: Day one 250 mg/kg
every 3 to 4 hours, day two 250 mg every 4 to 6 hours,
day three 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours, day four 250 mg
every 8 to 12 hours, days five and six: 250 mg every 8
to 24 hours. Depending on the patient's clinical
status, therapy may be changed to the oral route after
the fifth day: 100 to 300 mg 3 times daily. ORAL:
Initially 1200 mg to 2400 mg every 24 hours divided
(100 mg or 200 mg every 2 hours), reduce to 100 mg to
300 mg every 8 hours as tolerated. Patients should be
treated for 14 days or until there is no arsenic
detected in the urine.
F) VENTRICULAR DYSRHYTHMIAS
1) Institute continuous cardiac monitoring, obtain an ECG,
and administer oxygen. Evaluate for hypoxia, acidosis,
and electrolyte disorders. Lidocaine and amiodarone are
generally first line agents for stable monomorphic
ventricular tachycardia, particularly in patients with
underlying impaired cardiac function. Because arsenic
can cause torsades de pointes and QTc prolongation,
amiodarone should only be used with extreme caution.
Unstable rhythms require immediate cardioversion.
G) TORSADES DE POINTES
1) Treat with magnesium; atrial overdrive pacing may also
be indicated. Correct electrolyte abnormalities.
H) ENHANCED ELIMINATION
1) Arsenic is poorly dialyzable. Hemodialysis should only
be considered for arsenic toxicity accompanied by renal
failure.
I) PATIENT DISPOSITION
1) ADMISSION CRITERIA: All patients with acute arsenic
toxicity should be admitted.
2) CONSULT CRITERIA: Consult a medical toxicologist and/or
poison center for all potentially significant arsenic
exposures.
J) PITFALLS
1) Failure to consider arsenic poisoning in patients with
prolonged gastrointestinal illness and cardiac
conduction abnormalities. Failure to remove fish or
other arsenic sources from the diet prior to testing
urine arsenic levels.
K) DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
1) Infectious gastroenteritis may have a similar clinical
presentation, though arsenic toxicity usually lasts
longer and has more multi-organ system involvement.
Toxic plant and mushroom ingestion may lead to a severe
gastritis though most lack the systemic toxicity seen
with arsenic. Theophylline overdose may have a similar
presentation though diarrhea is not as predominant a
feature as it is with arsenic poisoning.
0.4.3 INHALATION EXPOSURE
A) Inhalation is the most common exposure in arsenic
workers. OSHA has set an "action level" of 5 mcg/m(3) of
inorganic arsenic in the air over an 8-hour period.
Initial treatment should be to remove the patient from
the exposure and refer the patient to an occupational
specialist for 24-hour urine collection. The decision to
chelate will depend upon the patient's clinical status
and urine arsenic concentration.
0.4.4 EYE EXPOSURE
A) Copious irrigation and ophthalmology follow-up.
0.4.5 DERMAL EXPOSURE
A) OVERVIEW
1) Occasionally arsenic can cause a contact dermatitis or
an exfoliative rash. Wash the area thoroughly and avoid
further dermal contact. Topical steroid creams may
decrease inflammation in these cases.
RANGE OF TOXICITY:
A) TOXICITY: Trivalent arsenic (arsenite) is more toxic than
pentavalent arsenic (arsenate). Acute ingestion of more
than 100 mg of inorganic arsenic is likely to cause
significant toxicity. Airborne concentrations of 5 mg
As/m(3) are considered immediately dangerous to life and
health.
ANIMAL TOXICITY STUDIES:
EVIDENCE FOR CARCINOGENICITY:

CLASSIFICATION: A; human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on
sufficient evidence from human data. An increased lung cancer mortality
was observed in multiple human populations exposed primarily through
inhalation. Also, increased mortality from multiple internal organ cancers
(liver, kidney, lung, and bladder) and an increased incidence of skin
cancer were observed in populations consuming drinking water high in
inorganic arsenic. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Sufficient. ANIMAL
CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /based on former classification
system/[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information
System (IRIS). Summary on Arsenic, Inorganic (7440-38-2). Available from,
as of March 15, 2000: http://www.epa.gov/iris/] **PEER REVIEWED**
A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic compounds, as

As/[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold
Limit Values of Chemical Substances and Biological Exposure Indices,
ACGIH, Cincinnati, OH 2009, p. 12] **QC REVIEWED**
Evaluation: There is sufficient evidence in humans that arsenic in

drinking-water causes cancers of the urinary bladder, lung and skin ...
Overall evaluation: Arsenic in drinking-water is carcinogenic to humans
(Group 1). /Arsenic in drinking-water/[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation
of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V84 (2004)]
**QC REVIEWED**
Arsenic compounds, inorganic: known to be a human carcinogen.[U.S.

Department of Health & Human Services/National Toxicology Program;
Eleventh Report on Carcinogens: Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic (January
2005). Available from, as of July 24, 2009:
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/toc11.html] **QC REVIEWED**
Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: sufficient; 2)

evidence in animals: limited. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic
risk to humans is Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans. NOTE: This evaluation
applies to the group of chemicals as a whole and not necessarily to all
individual chemicals within the group. /Arsenic and arsenic
compounds/[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of
S7 57 (1987)] **QC REVIEWED**
NON-HUMAN TOXICITY EXCERPTS:

Metallic arsenic in lanolin was injected into the femur marrow of 25 male
rats & 6 rabbits. The doses were 0.43 mg & 0.65 mg, respectively.
Only 4 rats survived 18 mo & one of these developed a spindle cell
sarcoma at the site of injection. None of the rabbits showed any
metaplastic reactions. No tumors were produced at the site of injection in
25 rats injected intrapleurally once a mo for 6 mo resulting in a total
dose of 0.65 mg of arsenic. Similar results were obtained after nasal
sinus injection of 0.65 mg of arsenic in 20 rats.[Hueper WC; JNCI 15:
113-24 (1954) as cited in WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Arsenic p.126
(1981)] **PEER REVIEWED**
The mineralization of glucose in sediments was less at pH 4 & 5 than

at pH 7, & was less at 0 deg than at 20 deg C. Most of the bacteria
isolated from the sediments incubated at 0 & 20 deg C were
psychrophilic & most of them were resistant to lead (Pb) &
selenium (Se); a smaller proportion was resistant to mercury (Hg) &
arsenic (As). Many of the bacteria were resistant to > 1 of the
elements. Pb & Hg were more toxic to bacterial growth at pH 4.5 than
at 7.5, but Se & As were slightly more toxic at the higher pH.[Baker
MD et al; Water Res 17 (8): 925-30 (1983)] **PEER REVIEWED**
The toxicity of 3 doses of a mixture of 10 heavy metals arsenic, cadmium,

chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc at 0.5,
1, or 2 fold the maximum recommended concn to size fractionated natural
phytoplankton from the North American Great Lakes was determined.[Munawar
M et al; Ergeb Limnol 25: 123-39 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
NON-HUMAN TOXICITY VALUES:

LD50 Rat oral 763 mg/kg[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of
Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand
Reinhold, 1996., p. 271] **PEER REVIEWED**
LD50 Mouse oral 145 mg/kg[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of

LD50 Mouse ip 46.2 mg/kg[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of

METABOLISM/ PHARMACOKINETICS:
ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION & EXCRETION:

Normal values of arsenic in urine, ... vary from 0.013-0.046 mg/L, to 0.13
mg/L, to 0.25 mg/L. The urinary excretion, in mg/L, of elements that are
freely eliminated by this route, such as ... arsenic, is at most 2.5-5
times the occupation exposure in mg/cu m of air. It is apparent that
biological monitoring for arsenic by urinalysis would be of limited value
in determining whether or not the NIOSH recommended standard ... was being
met or exceeded.[American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and
Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH:
ACGIH, 1991., p. 83] **PEER REVIEWED**
INTERACTIONS:
When selenium is injected almost simultaneously with arsenic into test
animals biliary excretion of both elements is enhanced seven to
tenfold.[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effect of Arsenic in the Canadian
Environment p.215 (1978) NRCC No.15391] **PEER REVIEWED**
The effects of selenium and arsenic on tumor size and tumor number were
examined in mice using the urethane pulmonary adenoma model. Female Swiss
cross mice were administered the metals in drinking water at levels of 3
ug/ml selenium and 80 ug/ml arsenic on alternate days for 15 weeks. The
urethane was administered after 3 weeks of the metal treatment, and the
incidence and size of pulmonary adenomas were determined 12 weeks later.
Weight gain was diminished in mice exposed to arsenic but not selenium. No
other clinical signs were pesent due to metal exposure. Urethane induced
sleeping times were significantly reduced in animals given both metals
relative to those administered either arsenic or selenium. Both arsenic
and selenium administered alone reduced tumor size; the efect of arsenic
was greater than that of selenium and arsenic treatment also resulted in a
decreased number of tumors per animal. No interactive effects between the
metals were determined with regard to tumor production. Both arsenic and
selenium alter urethane induced adenoma formation.[Blakely BR;
Drug-Nutrient Interactions 5 (2): 97-102 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED** <a
href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3608832?dopt=Abstract"
target=new>PubMed Abstract
PHARMACOLOGY:
INTERACTIONS:
When selenium is injected almost simultaneously with arsenic into test
animals biliary excretion of both elements is enhanced seven to
tenfold.[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effect of Arsenic in the Canadian
Environment p.215 (1978) NRCC No.15391] **PEER REVIEWED**
The effects of selenium and arsenic on tumor size and tumor number were
examined in mice using the urethane pulmonary adenoma model. Female Swiss
cross mice were administered the metals in drinking water at levels of 3
ug/ml selenium and 80 ug/ml arsenic on alternate days for 15 weeks. The
urethane was administered after 3 weeks of the metal treatment, and the
incidence and size of pulmonary adenomas were determined 12 weeks later.
Weight gain was diminished in mice exposed to arsenic but not selenium. No
other clinical signs were pesent due to metal exposure. Urethane induced
sleeping times were significantly reduced in animals given both metals
relative to those administered either arsenic or selenium. Both arsenic
and selenium administered alone reduced tumor size; the efect of arsenic
was greater than that of selenium and arsenic treatment also resulted in a
decreased number of tumors per animal. No interactive effects between the
metals were determined with regard to tumor production. Both arsenic and
selenium alter urethane induced adenoma formation.[Blakely BR;
Drug-Nutrient Interactions 5 (2): 97-102 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED** <a
href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3608832?dopt=Abstract"
target=new>PubMed Abstract
REPORTED FATAL DOSE:

Fatal human dose 70-180 mg depending on weight. Estimated lethal dose for
a 70 kg human as As (III).[NIH/EPA; OHM/TADS (1985)] **PEER REVIEWED**
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE & EXPOSURE:
PROBABLE ROUTES OF HUMAN EXPOSURE:

Ceramic artists can be exposed to many hazardous materials, generally
related to dry clays, glazes and kiln use. Glazes can contain lead,
antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, cadmium,
copper, vanadium and other materials. ...[Hart C; J Environ Health 49 (5):
282-6 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, cobalt,

manganese, and mercury ... used as color pigments in paints can be
ingested by contamination of hands, fingernails, food, cups, cigarettes
and by holding paint brushes in the mouth.[Hart C; J Environ Health 49
(5): 282 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
NATURAL POLLUTION SOURCES:

Aquatic Fate: Arsenic as a free element (0-oxidation state) is rarely
encountered in natural waters.[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc:
Arsenic p.A-1 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-021] **PEER REVIEWED**
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE:
Aquatic Fate: Arsenic as a free element (0-oxidation state) is rarely
encountered in natural waters. Soluble inorganic arsenate (+5-oxidation
state) predominates under normal conditions since it is thermodynamically
more stable in water than arsenite (+3 oxidation state).[USEPA; Ambient
Water Quality Criteria Doc: Arsenic p.A-1 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-021] **PEER
REVIEWED**
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS & REGULATIONS:
FIFRA REQUIREMENTS:
Tolerances for total residues of combined arsenic (calculated as As) in
food are established as follows: (a) In edible tissues & in eggs of
chickens & turkeys: 0.5 ppm in uncooked muscle tissue; 2 ppm in
uncooked edible by-products; & 0.5 ppm in eggs. (b) In edible tissues
of swine: 2 ppm in uncooked liver & kidney; 0.5 ppm in uncooked muscle
tissue & by-products other than liver & kidney. /Arsenic/[21 CFR
556.60 (4/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for

type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with
difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry
chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/[Association of
American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau
of Explosives, 1994., p. 105] **PEER REVIEWED**
CERCLA REPORTABLE QUANTITIES:

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the
National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of
this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than
its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the
NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202)
426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated
in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). No reporting of releases of this
hazardous substance is required if the diameter of the pieces of the solid
metal released is equal to or exceedes 100 micrometers (0.004 inches).[40
CFR 302.4 (7/1/2000)] **PEER REVIEWED**
RCRA REQUIREMENTS:
D004; A solid waste containing arsenic may or may not become characterized
as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic
Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must
be managed as a hazardous waste.[40 CFR 261.24 (7/1/2001)] **PEER
REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC STANDARDS:
Inorganic arsenic has been designated as a hazardous air pollutant under
section 112 of the Clean Air Act. /Inorganic Arsenic/[40 CFR 61.01
(7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
(a) The owner or operator of an existing glass melting furnace subject to

the provisions of this subpart shall comply with either paragraph (a)(1)
or (a)(2) of this section ... (1) Uncontrolled total arsenic emissions
from the glass melting furnace shall be less than 2.5 Mg (2.7 ton) per
year, or ... (2) Total arsenic emissions from glass melting furnace shall
be conveyed to a control device and reduced by at least 85%. /Total
arsenic/[40 CFR 61.162(a) (7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
(b) The owner or operator of a new or modified glass melting furnace

subject to the provisions of this subpart shall comply with either
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section ... (1) Uncontrolled total
arsenic emissions from the glass melting furnace shall be less than 0.4 Mg
(0.44 ton) per year, or ... (2) Total arsenic emissions from glass melting
furnace shall be conveyed to a control device and reduced by at least 85%.
/Total arsenic/[40 CFR 61.162(b) (7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
The owner or operator of each copper converter subject to the provisions

of this subpart shall reduce inorganic arsenic emissions to the atmosphere
by meeting the following design, equipment, work practice, and operational
requirements: (1) Install, operate, and maintain a secondary hood system
on each copper converter. Each secondary hood system shall consist of a
hood enclosure, air curtain fan(s), exhaust system fan(s), and ductwork
that conveys the captured emission to a control device ... (2) Optimize
the capture of secondary inorganic arsenic emission by operating the
copper converter and secondary hood systems at all times ... . /Inorganic
arsenic/[40 CFR 61.172(b) (7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
National Emission Standards for Inorganic Arsenic Emissions From Arsenic

Trioxide and Metallic Arsenic Production Facilities. (a) Within 30 dyas
after the effective date of this subpart, the owner or operator of each
source to which this subpart applies shall identify and submit to the
Administrator a list of potential sources (equipment and operations) of
inorganic arsenic emissions. /Inorganic arsenic/[40 CFR 61.182(a)
(7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
National Emission Standards for Inorganic Arsenic Emissions From Arsenic

Trioxide and Metallic Arsenic Production Facilities. (b) The owner or
operator shall submit a description of an inspection, maintenance, and
housekeeping plan for control of inorganic arsenic emissions ... (c) The
owner or operator shall implement the plan ... (d) At all times ... the
owner or operator ... shall operate and maintain the source incl
associated air pollution control equipment in a manner consistent with
good air pollution control practice for minimizing emissions of inorganic
arsenic to the atmosphere to the maximum extent possible ... . /Inorganic
Arsenic/[40 CFR 61.182(b) (7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to

cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990,
directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce
routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and
phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources
that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Arsenic is included on
this list.[Clean Air Act as amended in 1990, Sect. 112 (b) (1) Public Law
101-549 Nov. 15, 1990] **PEER REVIEWED**
CLEAN WATER ACT REQUIREMENTS:

For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic
effects due to exposure of arsenic through ingestion of contaminated water
& contaminated aquatic organisms, the ambient water concn should be
zero based on the nonthreshold assumption for this chemical. However, zero
level may not be attainable at the present time. Therefore, the levels
which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the lifetime
are estimated at 1X10-5, 1X10-6, & 1X10-7. The corresponding criteria
are 22 ng/l, 2.2 ng/l, & .22 ng/l, respectively .... For consumption
of aquatic organisms only, excluding consumption of water, the levels are
175 ng/ml, 17.5 ng/l, & 1.75 ng/l, respectively. /Arsenic/[USEPA;
Quality Criteria for Water 1986: Arsenic: Human Health Criteria (May 1,
1986) EPA 440/5-86-001] **QC REVIEWED**
Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal

Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations.
/Arsenic & cmpd/[40 CFR 401.15 (7/1/2001)] **QC REVIEWED**
D004; A solid waste containing arsenic may or may not become characterized
as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic
Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must
be managed as a hazardous waste.[40 CFR 261.24 (7/1/2001)] **QC REVIEWED**
FEDERAL DRINKING WATER STANDARDS:

Maximum Contaminant Level: 0.010 mg/L /Arsenic/[40 CFR 141.62 (USEPA);
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of
Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 9, 2009:
http://www.ecfr.gov] **QC REVIEWED**
10 ug/L[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk

Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water
Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present] **QC REVIEWED**
STATE DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES:

(AZ) ARIZONA 10 ug/L[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and
Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal
Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present] **QC
REVIEWED**
(CT) CONNECTICUT 10 ug/L[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology

and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal
Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present] **QC
REVIEWED**
FDA REQUIREMENTS:
556.60 (4/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
ALLOWABLE TOLERANCES:
556.60 (4/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
CHEMICAL/PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
MOLECULAR FORMULA:
As **PEER REVIEWED**
MOLECULAR WEIGHT:
74.9216[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of
Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co.,
Inc., 1996., p. 134] **PEER REVIEWED**
COLOR/FORM:
IT EXISTS IN THREE ALLOTROPIC FORMS, THE YELLOW (ALPHA), BLACK (BETA) AND
GREY (GAMMA) FORMS[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of
Occupational Health and Safety. Volumes I and II. New York: McGraw-Hill
Book Co., 1971., p. 115] **PEER REVIEWED**
Silver-gray or tin-white, brittle ... solid.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to

Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C.
U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997., p. 20] **PEER REVIEWED**
Allotropic forms: alpha-form, metallic, steel-grey, shiny, brittle,

rhombohedral crystal structure; beta-form, dark gray, amorphous
solid[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc.,
1996., p. 135] **PEER REVIEWED**
Yellow, and gray or metallic[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and

Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-4] **PEER
REVIEWED**
ODOR:
... Odorless ...[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS
(NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing
Office, 1997., p. 20] **PEER REVIEWED**
TASTE:
NEARLY TASTELESS[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkins, 1984., p. III-42] **PEER REVIEWED**
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE:

Critical temperature: 1673 deg K[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry
and Physics, 68th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1987-1988., p.
F-64] **PEER REVIEWED**
Critical pressure: 22.3 MPa[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and

Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 6-48] **PEER
REVIEWED**
DENSITY/SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
5.778 @ 25 deg C[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of
HEAT OF VAPORIZATION:
11.2 kcal/g-atom[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of
SOLUBILITIES:
Insol in caustic and nonoxidizing acids[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's
Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 93] **PEER REVIEWED**
Insoluble in water[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia

of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and
Co., Inc., 1996., p. 135] **PEER REVIEWED**
VAPOR PRESSURE:
7.5X10-3 mm Hg @ 280 deg C; 7.5X10-2 @ 323 deg C; 0.75 mm Hg @ 373 deg C;
7.5 mm Hg @ 433 deg C; 75 mm Hg @ 508 deg C; 750 mm Hg @ 601 deg C[Lide,
DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press
LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 6-65] **PEER REVIEWED**
OTHER CHEMICAL/PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

A yellow modification which has no metallic properties is obtained by
sudden cooling of arsenic-vapor. This yellow arsenic is converted back to
the gray modification upon very short exposure to ultraviolet
light.[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Vaporization becomes apparent at 100 deg C and is already rapid at 450 deg
C; Brinell hardness: 147; Mohs' scale: 3.5; heat of sublimation: 30.5
kcal/g-atom; 7.63 kcal/g-atom; specific heat: 0.0822 for 0 deg C to 100
deg C; heat of fusion: 22.4 kcal/g-atom; 6.620 kcal/g-atom; not attacked
by cold sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid; converted by HNO3 or hot H2SO4
into arsenous or arsenic acid; dielectric constant: 10.23 @ 20 deg C and
60 cycles[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of
Triple point: 817 deg C; sublimes at 614 deg C; specific gravity: 1.97
(yellow modification), 5.73 (gray or metallic modification)[Lide, DR
(ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC,
Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-4] **PEER REVIEWED**
CHEMICAL SAFETY & HANDLING:
DOT EMERGENCY GUIDELINES:

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Fire or Explosion:
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Containers may
explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be
transported in a molten form.[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2012
Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2012] **PEER REVIEWED**
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Health: Highly toxic, may be

fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact with molten
substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact.
Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce
irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or
dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.[U.S.
Department of Transportation. 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook.
Washington, D.C. 2012] **PEER REVIEWED**
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Public Safety: CALL

Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping
Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number
listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure,
isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150
feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep
unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas.[U.S.
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear

positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical
protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters'
protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY;
it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the
substance is possible.[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2012 Emergency
Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2012] **PEER REVIEWED**
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Evacuation: Spill: See Table

1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for highlighted
materials. For non-highlighted materials, increase, in the downwind
direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under "PUBLIC
SAFETY". Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire,
ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider
initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.[U.S.
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Fire: Small Fire: Dry

chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large Fire: Water spray, fog or regular
foam. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike
fire-control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Use
water spray or fog; do not use straight streams. Fire involving Tanks or
Car/Trailer Loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose
holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool
containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices
or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is
impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2012]
**PEER REVIEWED**
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Spill or Leak: ELIMINATE all

ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area).
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing
appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover
with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth,
sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT
GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2012
Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2012] **PEER REVIEWED**
/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ First Aid: Move victim to

fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial
respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method
if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration
with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other
proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is
difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of
contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water
for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material
on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure
(inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.
Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and
take precautions to protect themselves.[U.S. Department of Transportation.
2012 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2012] **PEER
REVIEWED**
FIRE POTENTIAL:
CAN BE HEATED TO BURN IN AIR WITH BLUISH FLAME, GIVING OFF AN ODOR OF
GARLIC AND DENSE WHITE FUMES OF ARSENIC TRIOXIDE (AS2O3).[The Merck Index.
10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983., p. 116] **PEER
REVIEWED**
FIRE HAZARD: MODERATE IN FORM OF DUST WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT OR FLAME OR BY

CHEMICAL REACTION WITH POWERFUL OXIDIZERS ... .[Lewis, R.J. Sax's
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New
York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 271] **PEER REVIEWED**
FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:

chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, liquid, NOS/[Association of

chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/[Association of
Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing

apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Arsenical cmpd,
solid, NOS/[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of
Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association
of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994., p. 105] **PEER
REVIEWED**
TOXIC COMBUSTION PRODUCTS:

Fire may produce poisonous or irritating gases.[Kayser, R., D. Sterling,
D. Viviani (eds.). Intermedia Priority Pollutant Guidance Documents.
Washington, DC: U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, July 1982., p. 8-1]
**PEER REVIEWED**
When arsenic is heated in air it will burn and form a white smoke
consisting of arsenic trioxide (As2O3).[International Labour Office.
Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva,
Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983., p. 179] **PEER REVIEWED**
EXPLOSIVE LIMITS & POTENTIAL:

SLIGHTLY EXPLOSIVE IN THE FORM OF DUST WHEN EXPOSED TO FLAME.[Lewis, R.J.
Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3.
New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 271] **PEER REVIEWED**
HAZARDOUS REACTIVITIES & INCOMPATIBILITIES:
Arsine is formed when any inorganic arsenic bearing material is brought in
contact with zinc and sulfuric acid.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons,
1978-1984., p. 3(78) 252] **PEER REVIEWED**
Arsine may be accidentally formed by the reaction of arsenic impurities in

commercial acids stored in metal tanks. ...[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and
Sons, 1978-1984., p. 3(78) 252] **PEER REVIEWED**
... The /bromine azide/ liquid explodes on contact with arsenic.

...[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston,
MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 50] **PEER REVIEWED**
... /Rubidium acetylide/ ignites with arsenic. ...[Bretherick, L. Handbook

of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann
Ltd., 1990, p. 328] **PEER REVIEWED**
Incandescence is caused by contact with ... arsenic /and bromine

trifluoride/.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th
ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 91] **PEER REVIEWED**
The finely powdered element /arsenic/ inflames in gaseous chlorine or

liquid chlorine.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th
ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 50] **PEER REVIEWED**
Bromine pentafluoride ... /contact/ with ... /arsenic/ at ambient or

slightly elevated temperatures is violent, ignition often occurring.
...[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston,
MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 92] **PEER REVIEWED**
Chlorine trifluoride is a hypergolic oxidizer with recognized fuels, and

contact with arsenic at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures is
violent, ignition often occurring.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive
Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p.
Palladium or zinc & arsenic react on heating with evolution of heat

& light, & platinum with vivid incandescence.[Bretherick, L.
Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA:
Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 50] **PEER REVIEWED**
... /Arsenic/ will initiate the violent and often explosive decomposition
of nitrogen trichloride.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical
Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 1041]
**PEER REVIEWED**
A finely divided mixture with excess nitrate ignited when shaken out on to
paper.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed.
Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 12] **PEER REVIEWED**
The heat sensitivity of dichlorine oxide may explain the explosions which
occur on contact of arsenic with this powerful oxidant.[Bretherick, L.
Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA:
Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 1023] **PEER REVIEWED**
... Readily oxidizable materials (arsenic) form explosive mixtures /with

sodium peroxide/.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards.
4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 1383] **PEER
REVIEWED**
An explosive variety (or cmpd) of arsenic was produced as surface layer on

exposed iron surface of corroded lead-lined vessel which contained 35%
sulfuric acid with high arsenic content.[Bretherick, L. Handbook of
Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.,
1990, p. 50] **PEER REVIEWED**
... /Arsenic/ explodes on grinding in a mortar with the solid /potassium

permanganate/. ...[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards.
4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 1296] **PEER
REVIEWED**
Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to heat or flame or by chemical

reaction with powerful oxidizers such as bromates, chlorates, iodates,
peroxides, lithium, NCl3, KNO3, KMnO4, Rb2C2, AgNO4, NOCl, IF5, CrO3,
CIF3, ClO, BrF3, BrF5, BrN3, RbC3BCH, CsC3BCH. Slightly explosive in the
form of dust when exposed to flame. When heated or on contact with acid or
acid fumes, it emits highly toxic fumes; can react vigorously on contact
with oxidizing materials. Incompatible with bromine azide, dirubidium
acetylide, halogens, palladium, zinc, platinum, NCl3, AgNO3, CrO3 Na2O2,
hexafluoroisopropylideneamino lithium.[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous
Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 271] **PEER REVIEWED**
... WHEN WATER SOLN OF ARSENICALS ARE IN CONTACT WITH ACTIVE METALS SUCH
AS ARSENIC, IRON, ALUMINUM, ZINC, ... HIGHLY TOXIC FUMES OF ARSENIC
/INCLUDING ARSINE ARE RELEASED/. /ARSENIC CMPD/[Lewis, R.J. Sax's
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New
York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 275] **PEER REVIEWED**
Strong oxidizers, bromide azide [Note: Hydrogen gas can react with
inorganic arsenic to form the highly toxic gas arsine.] /Arsenic
(inorganic compounds, as As)/[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical
Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S.
Government Printing Office, 1997., p. 20] **PEER REVIEWED**
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION:
When arsenic is heated in air it will burn and form a white smoke
consisting of arsenic trioxide (As2O3).[International Labour Office.
DANGEROUS WHEN HEATED TO DECOMP ... IT EMITS TOXIC FUMES OF ARSENIC /SRP:
INCLUDING ARSINE/. /ARSENIC CMPD/[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties
of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand
IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH:

5 mg/cu m (as AS); NIOSH considers arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as As) to be a
potential occupational carcinogen. /Arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as
As)/[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office,
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING:

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin
contact.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.[NIOSH. NIOSH

Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997., p. 21] **PEER
REVIEWED**
Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any

possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is
irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye
protection.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the
immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of
exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient
quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body
areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes
an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances.
In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas
in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be
considered adequate.][NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: At concentrations

above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable
concentration. Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained breathing
apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand
or other positive pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a
full facepiece and is operated in pressure-demand or other positive
pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure
mode.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly

occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying,
full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or
back-mounted acid gas canister having a high-efficiency particulate
filter. Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing
apparatus.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Wear mechanical filter respirator with hard rubber frame and surgical
sheet wadding over nose and cheeks, ... boots, and long-sleeved coveralls.
/Arsenic/[ITII. Toxic and Hazarous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual.
Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1982., p.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a
manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who
handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the
completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the
decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers.
All contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but
should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning. **PEER REVIEWED**
Engineering controls are recommended to maintain arsenic concn below the

occupational environment limit. Compliance should not be achieved by the
use of respirators except during the time period necessary to install or
test the required engineering controls, for nonroutine operations (such as
a brief exposure to concn in excess of the limit as a result of
maintenance or repair activities), or during emergencies when air concn of
arsenic exceed the limit.[NIOSH; Current Intelligence Bulletin Inorganic
Arsenic-Respiratory Protection #14 p.2 (1976)] **PEER REVIEWED**
Shower baths shall be cleaned following use after each work shift.
/Inorganic arsenic/[NIOSH; Criteria Document: Inorganic Arsenic p.9 (1975)
DHEW Pub. NIOSH 75-149] **PEER REVIEWED**
Arsine may be accidentally formed by the reaction of arsenic impurities in

commercial acids stored in metal tanks, so that a test should be made for
arsine before entry is made into such vessels.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and
Sons, 1978-1984., p. 3(78) 252] **PEER REVIEWED**
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry
is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact
lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including
the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure,
the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses.
However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive
properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to
the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In
any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when
contact lenses are in place. **PEER REVIEWED**
IN PLANTS WITH ARSENIC HAZARD, FLOORS ... SHOULD BE ... IMPERMEABLE ... TO
PREVENT ABSORPTION & ... FLUSHED DOWN FREQUENTLY WITH WATER. WORKROOM
SHOULD BE WELL VENTILATED & ALL POISONOUS FUMES SHOULD BE CONDENSED
& DUST CONTENT REMOVED. ... EXHAUST HOODS ... WORKTABLES ... EQUIPPED
WITH DOWN DRAFT ... VENTILATION.[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia
of Occupational Health and Safety. Volumes I and II. New York: McGraw-Hill
Book Co., 1971., p. 117] **PEER REVIEWED**
The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes

contaminated.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift.[NIOSH. NIOSH
REVIEWED**
Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be

removed and replaced.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS
Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into
uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.[NIOSH. NIOSH
REVIEWED**
IN ... /FACTORIES/ WITH ARSENIC HAZARD, FLOORS ... SHOULD BE ...

IMPERMEABLE ... TO PREVENT ABSORPTION & ... FLUSHED DOWN FREQUENTLY
WITH WATER. /ARSENIC CMPD/[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index -
Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals. Rahway, NJ: Merck and
Co., Inc., 1989., p. 117] **PEER REVIEWED**
Lockers should be provided with separate compartments for work &

personal clothes, & adjacent sanitary facilities of a high standard
should be made available. Smoking, eating, & drinking at the workplace
should not be allowed. /Arsenic & cmpd/[International Labour Office.
Clean work clothes should be supplied daily and the workers should shower
prior to changing to street clothes. /Arsenic and arsenic cmpd/[Sittig, M.
Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 1985. 2nd ed.
Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985., p. 89] **PEER REVIEWED**
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a

manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who
handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the
completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the
decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers.
Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should
remain at employee's place of work for cleaning. **PEER REVIEWED**
STABILITY/SHELF LIFE:
LOSES ITS LUSTER ON EXPOSURE TO AIR, FORMING A BLACK MODIFICATION +
AS2O3[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc.,
SHIPMENT METHODS AND REGULATIONS:

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for
transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance
... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged,
marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized
by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./[49 CFR
171.2; U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code
of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of February 15, 2006:
http://www.ecfr.gov] **QC REVIEWED**
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods

Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to
IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier
regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting
hazardous materials.[International Air Transport Association. Dangerous
Goods Regulations. 47th Edition. Montreal, Quebec Canada. 2006., p. 144]
**QC REVIEWED**
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles
for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for
individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice
are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index
of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be
consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used
when shipping any substance or article.[International Maritime
Organization. International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. London, UK.
2004., p. 73] **QC REVIEWED**
CLEANUP METHODS:
Solvent extraction with high molecular weight amines and quaternary
ammonium compounds may be a promising technique for the removal of toxic
elements like ... arsenic ... from industrial effluents.[De AK et al;
Indian J Chem Sect A Inorg Phys Theor Anal 23 (2): 140-2 (1984)] **PEER
REVIEWED**
Prompt cleanup and removal are necessary. Control runoff and isolate
discharged material for proper disposal.[Fire Protection Guide to
Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection
Association, 1997., p. 49-23] **PEER REVIEWED**
DISPOSAL METHODS:
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial
(sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant
revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including
waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance
on acceptable disposal practices. **PEER REVIEWED**
Arsenic elemental arsenic wastes should be placed in long term storage or

returned to suppliers or manufacturers for reprocessing.[Sittig, M.
Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 1985. 2nd ed.
Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985., p. 89] **PEER REVIEWED**
Arsenic bearing sludges from the purification process in the production of

antimony oxide are poor candidates for incineration.[USEPA; Engineering
Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.3-19 (1981) EPA 68-03-3025]
**PEER REVIEWED**
An analysis of the health hazards associated with the operation of

municipal sludge incinerators was done on the multiple hearth incinerator
design, which comprises approximately 80 percent of the total number of
sludge incinerators in the USA. Parameters discussed included sludge
contaminant concentration, source characteristics, emission rate
estimates, dispersion parameters, and health risk values. Estimates of
environmental contamination by cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead,
and zinc due to emission loss from the incinerator were calculated. In
addition, the human cancer risk (calculated as the effect index)
associated with inhalation of incinerator emissions was calculated. The
index values were greater than unity for arsenic, beryllium, cadmium,
chromium, mercury, nickel, and lead.[Fradkin L et al; J Air Pollution
Control Assoc 37 (4): 395-9 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
The following wastewater treatment technology has been investigated for

arsenic: Concentration process: Activated Carbon. /Arsenic/[USEPA;
Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No.68-03-2766 p.E-162

arsenic: Concentration process: Miscellaneous Sorbents. /Arsenic/[USEPA;
Dissolve in a minimum amt of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Add to water

until the appearance of white precipitate. Add 6M-HCl just to dissolve
again. Saturate with hydrogen sulfide. After filtration, wash the
precipitate, dry, package and return to suppliers. /Arsenic/[ITII. Toxic
and Hazarous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The
International Technical Information Institute, 1982., p. 51] **PEER
REVIEWED**
Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this

contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D004, must conform with USEPA
regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
/Arsenic/[40 CFR 240-280, 300-306, 702-799 (7/1/2000)] **PEER REVIEWED**

arsenic: Concentration process: Chemical Precipitation. /Arsenic/[USEPA;
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE STANDARDS:
OSHA STANDARDS:
8 hr Time-Weighted avg: 10 ug/cu m./Arsenic, inorganic cmpd (as As)/[29
CFR 1910.1018 (7/1/2001)] **PEER REVIEWED**
THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES:

8 hr Time weighted Avg (TWA) 0.01 mg/cu m /Arsenic and inorganic
compoundds, as As/[American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances
and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008,
p. 12] **QC REVIEWED**
Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may

exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a
work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the
TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Arsenic and inorganic
compounds, as As/[American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances
and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008,
p. 5] **QC REVIEWED**
A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic compoundds, as

As/[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and
BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 12] **QC
REVIEWED**
BEI (Biological Exposure Index): Determinant: Inorganic arsenic plus

methylated metabolites in urine; Sampling Time: end of workweek; BEI: 35
ug As/L. The determinant may be present in biological specimens collected
from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration
which could affect interpretation of the result. Such background
concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value. /Arsenic, elemental and
soluble inorganic compounds/[American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical
Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.
Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 102] **QC REVIEWED**
NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS:
5 mg/cu m (as As); NIOSH considers arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as As) to be a
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Ceiling Limit: (0.002 mg/cu m). /Arsenic

(inorganic cmpd, as As)/[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government
Printing Office, 1997., p. 20] **PEER REVIEWED**
NIOSH usually recommends that occupational exposures to carcinogens be

limited to the lowest feasible concentration. /Arsenic (inorganic
compounds, as As)/[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS
IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH:

5 mg/cu m (as AS); NIOSH considers arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as As) to be a
OTHER STANDARDS REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES:

... The following countries had adopted the ... TLV of 0.5 mg/cu m:
Austria, Belgium, Finland, Japan, and Holland. Czechoslavakia, East
Germany, Hungary and Poland ... USSR ... 0.3 mg/cu m; Romania and
Switzerland, 0.2 mg/cu m; Sweden 0.05 mg/cu m; and Italy 0.25 mg/cu m.
/Arsenic and sol cmpd/[American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological
Exposure Indices. 5th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1986., p. 37] **PEER REVIEWED**
MANUFACTURING/USE INFORMATION:
USES:
ALLOYING CONSTITUENT[SRI] **PEER REVIEWED**
COMPONENT OF ALLOYS; COMPONENT OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES[SRI] **PEER

REVIEWED**
In metallurgy for hardening copper, lead, nonferrous alloys; automotive

body solder; in semiconductor materials; in the manufacture of low-melting
glass[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Wood preservative[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of

Herbicide, pesticide /Former use/[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An

Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ:
Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 135] **PEER REVIEWED**
To make gallium arsenide for dipoles and other electronic devices; doping
agnet in germanium and silicon solid state products; special solders;
medicine.[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary.
13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 93] **PEER
REVIEWED**
(76)As radioactive tracer in toxicology[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway,

New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983., p. 116] **PEER REVIEWED**
Used as a catalyst in the manufacture of ethylene oxide.[Kirk-Othmer

Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY:
John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V9 (1980) 455] **PEER REVIEWED**
In the manufacture of chemicals; in the manufacture of photoreceptor

arsenic-selenium alloys for xerographic plain paper copiers; in III-V
compounds, such as InAs, GaAs, AlAs, etc.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons,
1991-Present., p. V3 (1992) 628] **PEER REVIEWED**
Used in semiconductor devices[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the

Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V23 49 (1980)]
**PEER REVIEWED**
MEDICATION **PEER REVIEWED**
MEDICATION (VET) **PEER REVIEWED**
METHODS OF MANUFACTURING:
Arsenic "metal" is produced either by roasting the sulfide to form the
oxide and then reducing the oxide with carbon or by heating arsenopyrite
in the absence of air. When arsenic containing ores are smelted the
arsenic becomes gaseous and burns in air to arsenic trioxide. This is
trapped by electrostatic precipitators as a crude dust, which is roasted
so as to drive off arsenic trioxide. The purified arsenic trioxide is
collected in a cooling chamber.[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia
of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland:
International Labour Office, 1983., p. 179] **PEER REVIEWED**
Flue dust of copper and lead smelters, from which it is obtained as white
arsenic (arsenic trioxide) in varying degrees of purity. This is reduced
with charcoal. Commercial grade is not made in the US.[Lewis, R.J., Sr
(Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 93] **PEER REVIEWED**
Metallic arsenic can be obtained by the direct smelting of the minerals

arsenopyrite or loellingite. The arsenic vapor is sublimed when these
minerals are heated to about 650-700 deg C in the absence of air. The
metal can also be prepared commercially by the reduction of arsenic
trioxide with charcoal. The oxide and charcoal are mixed and placed into a
horizontal steel retort jacketed with firebrick which is then gas-fired.
The reduced arsenic vapor is collected in a water-cooled condenser. In a
process by Boliden Aktuebolag, the steel retort, heated to 700-800 deg C
in an electric furnace, is equipped with a demountable air-cooled
condenser.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed.
Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V3 (1992)
GENERAL MANUFACTURING INFORMATION:
Production of arsenic trioxide and metal at the Tacoma, WA, copper smelter
were terminated by the end of 1985.[Bureau of Mines, Mineral Commodity
Summaries p.13 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
China accounts for nearly all the world's production of commercial grade
arsenic metal.[USGS; Mineral Commodity Summaries - Arsenic (1999).
Available from, as of June 15, 2001:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/arsenic/160499.pdf]
**PEER REVIEWED**
Since the closure of the last domestic producer of arsenic in 1985, all
arsenic has been derived from imported sources.[USDI; The Materials Flow
of Arsenic in the United States. Washington, DC: Department of the
Interior (1994). Available from, as of June 15, 2001:
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/pub/min-info-pubs/usbm-ic/ic-9382/arsenic.pdf]
**PEER REVIEWED**
FORMULATIONS/PREPARATIONS:
Grades: technical; crude (90-95%); refined (99%); semiconductor grade
99.999%; single crystals.[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed
Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Commercial arsenic metal is sold at a typical purity of 99% in fragment or

lump (5-7.5 cm) form; in high purity (ranging from 99.99% to in excess of
99.999%+) forms for semiconductor applications; high purity forms are
normally packaged in fragmented form in evacuated and sealed glass ampules
to prevent oxidation.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th
ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V3
(1992) 628] **PEER REVIEWED**
-6 mm to -325 mesh particles size, 99 to 99.999% purity grade; lumps

99.9999% grade[Kuney, J.H. and J.N. Nullican (eds.) Chemcyclopedia.
Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1988., p. 174] **PEER
REVIEWED**
CONSUMPTION PATTERNS:
90% AS AN ALLOYING ADDITIVE; 7% IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES (LEAD-BASE BATTERY
GRIDS AND CABLE SHEATHING); 3% AS AN INTERMEDIATE FOR ARSENICALS USED IN
VETERINARY MEDICINE (1971)[SRI] **PEER REVIEWED**
Approximately 10 tons of high-purity arsenic metal was used /in 1986/ in

the electronics industry for the production of semiconductor
materials.[BUREAU OF MINES. MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES 1987 p.12] **PEER
REVIEWED**
Demand for arsenic metal is limited[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical

Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons,
U. S. PRODUCTION:
(1986) No domestic production of arsenic or arsenic trioxide.[Bureau of
Mines, Mineral Commodity Summaries p.12 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED**
U. S. IMPORTS:
(1973) 4.87X10+8 GRAMS (METAL)[SRI] **PEER REVIEWED**
In 1990, the U.S. requirement for metallic arsenic was supplied by the
People's Republic of China.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons,
Import sources in 1996-99: China, 87%; Hong Kong, 5%; Japan, 3%; and
other, 5%.[USGS; Mineral Commodity Summaries - Arsenic (7440-38-2).
January 2001. Available from, as of April 5, 2001:
**PEER REVIEWED**
Imports for consumption: (1996) 252 metric tons; (1997) 909 metric tons;
(1998) 997 metric tons; (1999) 1,300 metric tons; (2000) 1,000 metric
tons.[USGS; Mineral Commodity Summaries - Arsenic (7440-38-2). January
2001. Available from, as of April 5, 2001:
**PEER REVIEWED**
U. S. EXPORTS:
(1996) 36 metric tons; (1997) 61 metric tons; (1998) 177 metric tons;
(1999) 1,350 metric tons; (2000) 40 metric tons.[USGS; Mineral Commodity
Summaries - Arsenic (7440-38-2). January 2001. Available from, as of April
5, 2001:
**PEER REVIEWED**
LABORATORY METHODS:
SPECIAL REFERENCES:
SPECIAL REPORTS:
USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Arsenic p.A-1 (1980) EPA
440/5-80-021
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System

(IRIS) on Arsenic, inorganic (7440-38-2).[Available from the Database
Query page at, as of June 30, 2009:
http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/index.html]
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals

to Man. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for
Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Volume 84 (2004).
Some Drinking-water Disinfectants and Contaminants, including
Arsenic.[Available from, as of July 22, 2009:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol84/volume84.pdf]
National Toxicology Program. Eleventh Report on Carcinogens (2005). The

Report on Carcinogens is an informational scientific and public health
document that identifies and discusses substances (including agents,
mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard
to human health. Inorganic Arsenic Compounds are listed as known to be
human carcinogens. /Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic/[Available from, as of
July 31, 2009:
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s015arse.pdf]
SYNONYMS AND IDENTIFIERS:
RELATED HSDB RECORDS:

6994 [ARSENIC COMPOUNDS]
SYNONYMS:
ARSEN[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of
V23 39 (1980)] **PEER REVIEWED**
ARSENIC-75 **PEER REVIEWED**
ARSENIC BLACK **PEER REVIEWED**
COLLOIDAL ARSENIC **PEER REVIEWED**
Gray arsenic[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co.,
Metallic arsenic **PEER REVIEWED**
FORMULATIONS/PREPARATIONS:
Grades: technical; crude (90-95%); refined (99%); semiconductor grade
99.999%; single crystals.[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed
Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Commercial arsenic metal is sold at a typical purity of 99% in fragment or

lump (5-7.5 cm) form; in high purity (ranging from 99.99% to in excess of
99.999%+) forms for semiconductor applications; high purity forms are
normally packaged in fragmented form in evacuated and sealed glass ampules
to prevent oxidation.[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th
ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V3
(1992) 628] **PEER REVIEWED**
-6 mm to -325 mesh particles size, 99 to 99.999% purity grade; lumps

99.9999% grade[Kuney, J.H. and J.N. Nullican (eds.) Chemcyclopedia.
Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1988., p. 174] **PEER
REVIEWED**
SHIPPING NAME/ NUMBER DOT/UN/NA/IMO:

UN 1558; Arsenic
IMO 6.1; Arsenic
STANDARD TRANSPORTATION NUMBER:

49 232 07; Arsenic, solid (arsenic metallic)
EPA HAZARDOUS WASTE NUMBER:

D004; A waste containing arsenic may or may not be characterized as a
hazardous waste following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) regulations. /Arsenic/
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION:
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES DATABANK NUMBER:

509
LAST REVIEW DATE:
Reviewed by SRP on 9/15/2001
LAST REVISION DATE:

20050823
UPDATE HISTORY:
Field Update on 2018-09-20, 1 fields added/edited/deleted
Complete Update on 2005-08-23, 2 fields added/edited/deleted
Complete Update on 02/14/2003, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/11/2002, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Field Update on 08/11/1997, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 05/01/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.

Field update on 12/13/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/08/1986
Created 19830315 by DS

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The following information was generated from the

Toxicology Bibliographic Information (TOXLINE, DART, HSDB, CCRIS, GENETOX, IRIS,

HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS:

EVIDENCE FOR CARCINOGENICITY:

A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic compounds, as

Arsenic compounds, inorganic: known to be a human carcinogen.[U.S.

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: sufficient; 2)

HUMAN TOXICITY EXCERPTS:

The low toxicity of elemental arsenic is attributed to its virtual

PROBABLE ROUTES OF HUMAN EXPOSURE:

Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, cobalt,

REPORTED FATAL DOSE:

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT:

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT:

EMT COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:

ANIMAL TOXICITY STUDIES:

EVIDENCE FOR CARCINOGENICITY:

A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic compounds, as

Evaluation: There is sufficient evidence in humans that arsenic in

Arsenic compounds, inorganic: known to be a human carcinogen.[U.S.

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: sufficient; 2)

NON-HUMAN TOXICITY EXCERPTS:

The mineralization of glucose in sediments was less at pH 4 &amp; 5 than

The toxicity of 3 doses of a mixture of 10 heavy metals arsenic, cadmium,

NON-HUMAN TOXICITY VALUES:

LD50 Mouse oral 145 mg/kg[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of

LD50 Mouse ip 46.2 mg/kg[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of

ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION & EXCRETION:

REPORTED FATAL DOSE:

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE & EXPOSURE:

PROBABLE ROUTES OF HUMAN EXPOSURE:

Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, cobalt,

NATURAL POLLUTION SOURCES:

ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS & REGULATIONS:

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for

CERCLA REPORTABLE QUANTITIES:

(a) The owner or operator of an existing glass melting furnace subject to

(b) The owner or operator of a new or modified glass melting furnace

The owner or operator of each copper converter subject to the provisions

National Emission Standards for Inorganic Arsenic Emissions From Arsenic

National Emission Standards for Inorganic Arsenic Emissions From Arsenic

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to

CLEAN WATER ACT REQUIREMENTS:

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal

FEDERAL DRINKING WATER STANDARDS:

10 ug/L[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk

STATE DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES:

(CT) CONNECTICUT 10 ug/L[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology

Silver-gray or tin-white, brittle ... solid.[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to

Allotropic forms: alpha-form, metallic, steel-grey, shiny, brittle,

Yellow, and gray or metallic[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and

CRITICAL TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE:

Critical pressure: 22.3 MPa[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and

Insoluble in water[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia

OTHER CHEMICAL/PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

CHEMICAL SAFETY & HANDLING:

DOT EMERGENCY GUIDELINES:

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Health: Highly toxic, may be

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Public Safety: CALL

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Evacuation: Spill: See Table

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Fire: Small Fire: Dry

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Spill or Leak: ELIMINATE all

The mineralization of glucose in sediments was less at pH 4 & 5 than

Palladium or zinc & arsenic react on heating with evolution of heat

Lockers should be provided with separate compartments for work &

MEDICATION PEER REVIEWED

MEDICATION (VET) PEER REVIEWED